Benign prostatic hyperplasia or enlarged prostate Urinary Misery

The non-cancerous condition can block the flow of urine and cause a range of urinary issues in men, especially as they age

- Amrita Kaur

For years, Mr Savio Wong struggled with urinary problems that disrupted his daily life. At 49, he began waking up every two to three hours at night to urinate, felt pressure and pain in his urinary tract, and often had to force his urine out.

After visiting a general practitioner, he was told it could be benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This is also referred to as an enlarged prostate—a non-cancerous increase in the size of the prostate gland that can block the flow of urine and cause a range of urinary issues in men, especially as they age.

"I didn't expect it to come so early," says Mr Wong, now 55, as his father had the same condition in his 80s.

Mr Wong, who is a business development director in the broadcasting industry, was referred to Tan Tock Seng Hospital, where the diagnosis was confirmed.

The doctor said it was the first stage of BPH and that surgery was not yet necessary. Instead, he was prescribed oral medication to relieve the pressure from the prostate. "My condition became stable after I took the medication," says Mr Wong, who continued to visit the hospital every six months to a year for follow-ups.

In 2021, he was referred to Ng Teng Fong General Hospital (NTFGH), where he underwent regular urine tests to monitor urinary flow and bladder function, and blood tests to check for prostate cancer.

But by 2024, the effectiveness of the medication had begun to wane.

"I started facing issues with my urine flow again. I was starting to force my urine out," he says.

"One of the side effects from taking the medication was dizziness. The dizziness had become more annoying. Sometimes, I also felt very lethargic," says Mr Wong, who is married and has no kids.

Though the medication initially helped relieve symptoms, the condition still significantly affected his quality of life. He had to plan his days around toilet access.